Tassie Market Watch - April 2026 - The Hobart / Launceston Magazine

Tassie Market Watch – April 2026

by James Marten

DORNEY HOUSE ACTIVATION

The future of architecturally significant Dorney House, in Sandy Bay, may lie in the hands of Hobart’s most creative. Anna Reynolds, Hobart Lord Mayor, recently posted on her social media page that council discussed seeking ‘Expressions of interest’ from organisations or entrepreneurs keen to activate the building. “The beautiful 1978 Dorney House could be better utilised, but it’s a tricky site to access and will cost money to maintain,” she explained.

“It can’t be subdivided or sold, so I’m hoping that a new Expression of Interest process will identify a partner to create something special and respectful.”

CONFIDENCE WOBBLES AS RATES RISE

Tasmanian buyers and builders might be feeling the pinch as consumer confidence lowers. The ANZ-Roy Morgan Consumer Confidence index has fallen 5.4 points to 63.1 – its lowest level on record – following the Reserve Bank’s decision to lift the cash rate to 4.1% in March, its second consecutive rise this year. For those with a $600,000 mortgage, the back-to-back increases add roughly $180 to monthly repayments compared to late 2025. With all four major banks tipping another rise in May, prospective buyers are being urged to stress-test their borrowing capacity.

But there are some silver linings. According to Aussie Home Loans Buyer interest remains steady in areas offering lifestyle appeal and relative affordability. With a median 37 days on market, buyers often have time to compare options and get finance organised. And Ray White is reporting that Baby Boomers are driving a massive surge in demand for single-level homes that will suit downsizers and those planning to age in place. Their data found a 72 per cent jump in searches by potential buyers seeking single-storey houses.

SINGLES PRICED OUT OF HOUSING

New data has found that single Hobart househunters are almost entirely priced out of the property market here. Research by comparison site Canstar (using PropTrack data) reveals that based on the minimum annual salary required to buy a typical house, the majority are out of reach for single buyers. The average Tasmanian weekly full-time wage is $1793, or $93,236, which is about $217 per week below the national average (ABS). When purchasing by themselves, a person with this income level would be locked out of all but six Hobart suburbs: Bridgewater, Risdon Vale, Clarendon Vale, New Norfolk, Primrose Sands and Chigwell.

PROPERTY LENS

25 Victoria Parade, Devonport

Indicative price: $2,000,000

Agent: Elise Chisholm, Harcourts Devonport and Shearwater

112-114 Sorell Street, Devonport

Indicative price: $2,400,000

Agent: Amanda Rose, Harcourts Devonport and Shearwater

279 John Lees Drive, Dilston

Indicative price: Offers over $1,890,000

Agent: Jack Ryan, The Agency – Launceston

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Hobart Happenings

by Steph Williams

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Worker shortage is currently universal, there isn’t an industry that’s exempt. For Kelvin Smith, four years ago he decided there was a very obvious solution to the shortage facing the construction industry, and all that was needed was a little time, empathy and a helping hand. Integrate Workforce is a Hobart-based labour company with one requirement: a refugee/ migrant background. He’s also the outdoor piano man in his free time.

Landscape artist and creative Elliott Nimmo is enjoying discovering Hobart’s vibrant art scene and local environment after relocating here from London to pursue his art.

Even though Tasmania is known for its mild summers, it doesn’t take much to get sunburnt. Tasmania experiences extreme ultraviolet (UV) levels, but contrary to popular belief this isn’t due to the hole in the ozone layer, which is actually south of the continent.While higher UV levels often occur at the same time as higher temperatures, the two are not linked. Instead, UV levels are determined by the angle of the sun in the sky: the higher the sun, the higher the UV. In December and January, the position of the sun over Tasmania gives the state a UV index of 11 or more on most days, which is classified as “extreme” on the UV index. Tasmania’s lack of humidity and generally clear skies contribute to the stinging feeling of the sun. UV can reflect off buildings and water, making it possible to get a higher dose of UV from these reflected rays, even in the shade.

Setting up shop during a pandemic was a risky move, but if the crowd at Dāna Eating House (Dāna) on a Friday night is anything to go by, it’s one that’s paid off. With tables of diners chatting and laughing over drinks, the music and conversation buzzes off the monstera-leaf-green walls. Low-hanging rattan lights and worn wooden floorboards give the newly opened South-East Asian fusion venue in Hobart’s CBD a relaxed vibe.

A Holyman flagged ship hasn’t steamed up the River Derwent since 1984 but the company’s name still proudly adorns its former offices at 5 Morrison Street, Hobart.

Widening the Tasman Bridge to allow 3.5 metres on each side is a big win for walkers and cyclists.

Need a laugh? Check out @theinspiredunemployed feed on Instagram.

Rain, hail and shine, the school crossing guards are always there to help with a smile on their face.

It’s hard to believe it’s not standard practice to have a working phone in every aged care room - shared phones make private conversations impossible and increase the risk of spreading COVID-19.

Just when you think your cousins are alright. NZ Opposition Leader Judith Collins took aim at Tassie during her recent (unsuccessful) campaign, calling us Australia’s “poor cousin.” She also seems worried about us nabbing tech businesses, “It’s a lovely part of the world but do you necessarily want to go there with your high- tech business? Possibly not,” she said. We beg to differ!